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Fujifilm's new B1 inkjet makes its world debut at FESPA

Fujifilm believes its new B1 inkjet platform making its first appearance at FESPA 2017 in Hamburg will “open up a space that didn’t exist before”.

The device, which has not been officially named yet but is known internally as the B1PE7 (B1 print engine, seven picolitre printhead), forms the centrepiece of Fujifilm’s stand at the show.

The 200sph, 960dpi modular printer is manufactured by Inca, and uses established print technology from the manufacturer’s Onset and Spyder models, married with Fujifilm printheads and inks.

It is being shown as a technology preview in an automated production line configuration, with a feeder made by Essex-based Auto Feeders, plus a UV drying tunnel and stacker from Natgraph. The frontend is a Caldera RIP.

“We want to inspire people to come along and see something really different, and think about what they could do with this in their business,” said Fujifilm Global Graphic Systems business manager Kevin Jenner.

“This opens up a space that didn’t exist before. We have had interest from offset printers and from screen printers, from people who would like a faster Acuity or a slower Onset, or whose business is geared around B1. It speaks to a lot of different needs.”

At FESPA 2017, which is running from 8-12 May at the Hamburg Messe, the device will be printing photographic images plus samples showing fine text and reversed out text, onto a 0.4mm matt vinyl substrate.

Samples on show on an ‘inspiration wall’ have been printed on a wide range of substrates up to 10mm thick, and include Dibond, wood and corrugated board.

The firm also emphasised the resilience and longevity of the multi-pass printing system.

“There is no better platform than FESPA 2017 to test this out. We will be able to capture the opinions of several hundred informed printers,” Jenner added.

Fujifilm has not yet disclosed pricing for the machine. After FESPA, it will be installed at the firm’s Broadstairs site and used for in-depth customer demonstrations from the end of July. If all goes according to plan it could become commercially available by September.

The B1PE7 has eight print channels and prints in CMYK, but Fujifilm will also be talking to potential customers about possible options such as different colour sets, ink systems and additional printheads for higher print speeds.

Fujifilm is on stand B4L-E35 at FESPA 2017. It is also showcasing its Fujifilm Inkjet Technology brand, which highlights its combination of printheads, inks and image optimisation technologies.

The event is running from May 8-12 at the Hamburg Messe in Germany and there is still time to visit and see the latest developments in the global print market.

To find out more, about the many other companies exhibiting this week, as well as how you can attend the event, visit the official FESPA 2017 website: www.fespa2017.com